Last Updated on August 18, 2022
If you have a young or nervous horse, then you’ll want to find the best bits for horses with sensitive mouths. Finding the right bit for a horse is vital to get the best out of your equine friend, as a horse that is uncomfortable will not perform well. Let’s take a look at the best bits for horses with sensitive mouths!
Why Choosing The Right Bit For Your Horse Is Important
Many people underestimate the importance of choosing the right bit for a horse, and simply stick to using just one or two types of bit. However, your horse’s bit is one of the most important pieces of tack you will use, and finding the one that your horse is most comfortable with is vital.
The bit lies inside the mouth of the horse, and is held in place by the cheekpieces of the bridle. The bit is connected to the hands of the rider by the reins. When the rider applies pressure to the reins, this moves the bit inside the horse’s mouth, sending a signal that you want the horse to alter his pace or direction.
There are a myriad of different bit designs available, and all of these have different modes of action when the rider applies pressure to the reins. Snaffle bits apply pressure just within the mouth, whilst curb bits have a leverage action which applies pressure to specific parts of the bridle as well.
And while there are many types of bit that are marketed as gentle or for sensitive horses, the type you choose will depend very much on your horse and what he is comfortable with. There is no simple answer to the best bits for horses with sensitive mouths, but by looking at each aspect of the design of a bit we can figure out what is the best option for your horse.
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Select The Correct Size Bit – Bits For Horses With Sensitive Mouths
Whatever the reason for your horse’s sensitive mouth, you cannot eliminate any problems until you are sure that you are using the correct size bit. It should rest comfortably at the corners of the mouth, without the rings pressing tightly against the cheek or corners of the lips. If the bit is too large, you will see part of the mouthpiece protruding out of the side of the mouth.
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Choose The Correct Mouthpiece Thickness
It would be easy to assume that a thick bit is harsher to the horse than a thin one, but in fact the opposite is true! Thicker bits are normally a better option for horses with sensitive mouths, as the pressure is spread over a larger area. However, it is important to take the size of the horse’s mouth into consideration, as a bit that is too thick may make it difficult for your horse to relax his mouth.
Weaver Leather All Purpose Bit, 5
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Choose The Most Suitable Mouthpiece Joint
Double jointed bits are more comfortable for many horses, as this nutcracker effect is eliminated. However, the central section can apply pressure to the tongue, which many horses resent.
Bits with multiple joints, such as the Waterford snaffle, are very comfortable for some horses, but can be harsh in the hands of a novice rider. Many people feel that they make the horse more relaxed as they play with the links in the mouthpiece, but this effect can also be achieved by using a bit with rollers.
Read more about Why Are Jockeys So Short? Horse Jockey Facts And Stats Explained!
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Choose The Right Mouthpiece Material
Trying a mouthpiece made from different materials may be the key to solving your horse’s sensitive mouth issues. Stainless steel is the most common material and has a neutral taste that most horses accept. However, copper, brass, and sweet iron are all warmer and give off a mild taste that stimulates saliva production.
For sensitive horses that do not tolerate the feel of metal, a stainless steel mouthpiece covered in plastic, nylon, or rubber can be a good option. Some of these bits are impregnated with apple flavoring to make them more appealing to the horse.
Summary, Bits For Horses With Sensitive Mouths
So, as we have learned, the best bits for horses with sensitive mouths will depend on your horse and his preference. To choose a bit, you will need to take into account the size and shape of his mouth, and the mode of action of the bit. Many sensitive horses do not like metal bits, and will prefer one coated in rubber, plastic, or nylon.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the best bits for horses with sensitive mouths! Have you found it difficult to find the right bit for your horse with a sensitive mouth? Or maybe you’ve got a favorite type of bit for sensitive horses that you’d like to tell us all about? Leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you!
FAQ’s
What is a good bit for a horse with a sensitive mouth?
A good bit for a horse with a sensitive mouth is a double-jointed snaffle with a rubber mouthpiece.
What is the most gentle bit for a horse?
Snaffle bits tend to be more gentle than curb bits, and the gentlest one you can use is a straight bar snaffle with a synthetic coating on the mouthpiece.
What is the softest bit on a horse mouth?
For horses that do not like the feel of metal, a bit covered in rubber, plastic, or nylon will feel softer.
Why is my horse chewing on the bit?
If a horse chews gently on the bit this means he feels relaxed and comfortable. However, excessive chewing and movement of the tongue can indicate pain or discomfort.
One of the most common mouthpieces is the single-jointed mouthpiece, but these are actually harsher than many people realize. This bit can have a nutcracker effect, as the joint moves up and down when pressure is applied to the reins. This is not ideal for a horse with a small mouth, as it can clash on the roof of the mouth.
Double jointed bits are more comfortable for many horses, as this nutcracker effect is eliminated. However, the central section can apply pressure to the tongue, which many horses resent.
Bits with multiple joints, such as the Waterford snaffle, are very comfortable for some horses, but can be harsh in the hands of a novice rider. Many people feel that they make the horse more relaxed as they play with the links in the mouthpiece, but this effect can also be achieved by using a bit with rollers.
Read more about Why Are Jockeys So Short? Horse Jockey Facts And Stats Explained!
-
Choose The Right Mouthpiece Material
Trying a mouthpiece made from different materials may be the key to solving your horse’s sensitive mouth issues. Stainless steel is the most common material and has a neutral taste that most horses accept. However, copper, brass, and sweet iron are all warmer and give off a mild taste that stimulates saliva production.
For sensitive horses that do not tolerate the feel of metal, a stainless steel mouthpiece covered in plastic, nylon, or rubber can be a good option. Some of these bits are impregnated with apple flavoring to make them more appealing to the horse.
Summary, Bits For Horses With Sensitive Mouths
So, as we have learned, the best bits for horses with sensitive mouths will depend on your horse and his preference. To choose a bit, you will need to take into account the size and shape of his mouth, and the mode of action of the bit. Many sensitive horses do not like metal bits, and will prefer one coated in rubber, plastic, or nylon.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the best bits for horses with sensitive mouths! Have you found it difficult to find the right bit for your horse with a sensitive mouth? Or maybe you’ve got a favorite type of bit for sensitive horses that you’d like to tell us all about? Leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you!
FAQ’s
What is a good bit for a horse with a sensitive mouth?
A good bit for a horse with a sensitive mouth is a double-jointed snaffle with a rubber mouthpiece.
What is the most gentle bit for a horse?
Snaffle bits tend to be more gentle than curb bits, and the gentlest one you can use is a straight bar snaffle with a synthetic coating on the mouthpiece.
What is the softest bit on a horse mouth?
For horses that do not like the feel of metal, a bit covered in rubber, plastic, or nylon will feel softer.
Why is my horse chewing on the bit?
If a horse chews gently on the bit this means he feels relaxed and comfortable. However, excessive chewing and movement of the tongue can indicate pain or discomfort.
There are many different types of mouthpiece available, and they all have different purposes. An unjointed, straight bar bit is very gentle, and can be great for horses that have sensitive mouths.
One of the most common mouthpieces is the single-jointed mouthpiece, but these are actually harsher than many people realize. This bit can have a nutcracker effect, as the joint moves up and down when pressure is applied to the reins. This is not ideal for a horse with a small mouth, as it can clash on the roof of the mouth.
Double jointed bits are more comfortable for many horses, as this nutcracker effect is eliminated. However, the central section can apply pressure to the tongue, which many horses resent.
Bits with multiple joints, such as the Waterford snaffle, are very comfortable for some horses, but can be harsh in the hands of a novice rider. Many people feel that they make the horse more relaxed as they play with the links in the mouthpiece, but this effect can also be achieved by using a bit with rollers.
Read more about Why Are Jockeys So Short? Horse Jockey Facts And Stats Explained!
-
Choose The Right Mouthpiece Material
Trying a mouthpiece made from different materials may be the key to solving your horse’s sensitive mouth issues. Stainless steel is the most common material and has a neutral taste that most horses accept. However, copper, brass, and sweet iron are all warmer and give off a mild taste that stimulates saliva production.
For sensitive horses that do not tolerate the feel of metal, a stainless steel mouthpiece covered in plastic, nylon, or rubber can be a good option. Some of these bits are impregnated with apple flavoring to make them more appealing to the horse.
Summary, Bits For Horses With Sensitive Mouths
So, as we have learned, the best bits for horses with sensitive mouths will depend on your horse and his preference. To choose a bit, you will need to take into account the size and shape of his mouth, and the mode of action of the bit. Many sensitive horses do not like metal bits, and will prefer one coated in rubber, plastic, or nylon.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the best bits for horses with sensitive mouths! Have you found it difficult to find the right bit for your horse with a sensitive mouth? Or maybe you’ve got a favorite type of bit for sensitive horses that you’d like to tell us all about? Leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you!
FAQ’s
What is a good bit for a horse with a sensitive mouth?
A good bit for a horse with a sensitive mouth is a double-jointed snaffle with a rubber mouthpiece.
What is the most gentle bit for a horse?
Snaffle bits tend to be more gentle than curb bits, and the gentlest one you can use is a straight bar snaffle with a synthetic coating on the mouthpiece.
What is the softest bit on a horse mouth?
For horses that do not like the feel of metal, a bit covered in rubber, plastic, or nylon will feel softer.
Why is my horse chewing on the bit?
If a horse chews gently on the bit this means he feels relaxed and comfortable. However, excessive chewing and movement of the tongue can indicate pain or discomfort.
There are many different types of mouthpiece available, and they all have different purposes. An unjointed, straight bar bit is very gentle, and can be great for horses that have sensitive mouths.
One of the most common mouthpieces is the single-jointed mouthpiece, but these are actually harsher than many people realize. This bit can have a nutcracker effect, as the joint moves up and down when pressure is applied to the reins. This is not ideal for a horse with a small mouth, as it can clash on the roof of the mouth.
Double jointed bits are more comfortable for many horses, as this nutcracker effect is eliminated. However, the central section can apply pressure to the tongue, which many horses resent.
Bits with multiple joints, such as the Waterford snaffle, are very comfortable for some horses, but can be harsh in the hands of a novice rider. Many people feel that they make the horse more relaxed as they play with the links in the mouthpiece, but this effect can also be achieved by using a bit with rollers.
Read more about Why Are Jockeys So Short? Horse Jockey Facts And Stats Explained!
-
Choose The Right Mouthpiece Material
Trying a mouthpiece made from different materials may be the key to solving your horse’s sensitive mouth issues. Stainless steel is the most common material and has a neutral taste that most horses accept. However, copper, brass, and sweet iron are all warmer and give off a mild taste that stimulates saliva production.
For sensitive horses that do not tolerate the feel of metal, a stainless steel mouthpiece covered in plastic, nylon, or rubber can be a good option. Some of these bits are impregnated with apple flavoring to make them more appealing to the horse.
Summary, Bits For Horses With Sensitive Mouths
So, as we have learned, the best bits for horses with sensitive mouths will depend on your horse and his preference. To choose a bit, you will need to take into account the size and shape of his mouth, and the mode of action of the bit. Many sensitive horses do not like metal bits, and will prefer one coated in rubber, plastic, or nylon.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the best bits for horses with sensitive mouths! Have you found it difficult to find the right bit for your horse with a sensitive mouth? Or maybe you’ve got a favorite type of bit for sensitive horses that you’d like to tell us all about? Leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you!
FAQ’s
What is a good bit for a horse with a sensitive mouth?
A good bit for a horse with a sensitive mouth is a double-jointed snaffle with a rubber mouthpiece.
What is the most gentle bit for a horse?
Snaffle bits tend to be more gentle than curb bits, and the gentlest one you can use is a straight bar snaffle with a synthetic coating on the mouthpiece.
What is the softest bit on a horse mouth?
For horses that do not like the feel of metal, a bit covered in rubber, plastic, or nylon will feel softer.
Why is my horse chewing on the bit?
If a horse chews gently on the bit this means he feels relaxed and comfortable. However, excessive chewing and movement of the tongue can indicate pain or discomfort.
Kate Chalmers is a qualified veterinary nurse who has specialized in horse care for the vast majority of her career. She has been around horses since she was a child, starting out riding ponies and helping out at the local stables before going on to college to study Horse Care & Management. She has backed and trained many horses during her lifetime and competed in various equestrian sports at different levels.
After Kate qualified as a veterinary nurse, she provided nursing care to the patients of a large equine veterinary hospital for many years. She then went on to teach horse care and veterinary nursing at one of the top colleges in the country. This has led to an in-depth knowledge of the care needs of horses and their various medical ailments, as well as a life-long passion for educating horse owners on how to provide the best possible care for their four-legged friends.
Kate Chalmers BSc (Hons) CVN, Dip AVN (Equine) Dip HE CVN EVN VN A1 PGCE
